I have a couple reels here that the handle knob is sticky to touch. It doesn't look like it is deteriorating, just sticky to touch. Any thoughts on getting rid of it. Handles are perfect otherwise.
Quote from: Fishead on July 31, 2019, 01:18:20 PM
I have a couple reels here that the handle knob is sticky to touch. It doesn't look like it is deteriorating, just sticky to touch. Any thoughts on getting rid of it. Handles are perfect otherwise.
If it is fish slime try white vinegar.
Quote from: Fishead on July 31, 2019, 01:18:20 PM
I have a couple reels here that the handle knob is sticky to touch. It doesn't look like it is deteriorating, just sticky to touch. Any thoughts on getting rid of it. Handles are perfect otherwise.
shimano knobs are know for that kind of problem, once they start like that there is no way to stop it other than changing the knob, good thing is that instead of getting another stock handle with a stock knob this is your chance to just drill out the knob and install something better, you wallet is your only limit for the thounsands of current options on knobs
Getting insect repellant on the knob will make them do that. I don't know what the solvent is in a can of bug spray but it changes the plastic forever.
-steve
Generally an isobutene derivative. I have same issue on Calcutta's. easiest fix is slip over paddle covers, sold at cabelas or BPS.
Yep once they go tacky, that's it, they're done. Toriums and Trinidads seem to be the worst for it, followed closely by Calcuttas. The egg-shaped handles on the spinners seem to be less prone to it.
Apparently sunscreen is really bad for them?
I like to shine up a reel when I'm finished and use Turtle Detail spray. Noticed that it really cuts down on the gooey stickiness of the knobs. Not sure why. Maybe it just coats it but it does make a difference. give it a try.
Doing paint and body work I have seen this before,,,,, :( and wet sand the top coat off and polished it helps,,,,,,, ;D
Steve hit on a good point - many popular insect repellents use DEET (don't ask me what that means) but from what I understand that besides deterring biting insects it is also an industrial solvent for plastics. Reason I know this is that there are several videos/how to's when it comes to brightening up the plastic headlight lenses of modern cars you can swipe a towel with insect repellent across a couple of times and it removes all of the oxidation. Having done that, I can say it works! What I also learned, it basically softens/dissolves the plastic that the lens is made of - if you go back a few minutes later you can use your thumbnail to leave an impression in the plastic. Now I know many people "swear" by this fix, and yes, it does appear to work, but I've stopped spraying the stuff on my skin. And as far as the headlights on the cars I now go the laborious route of polishing with fine compound and then hitting with wax. - john
I live in a mosquito-infested swamp and use bug spray almost every day. I'm sure it's killing me, but the alternative is to never go outside. My headlights are frosted too. Woe is me.
-steve
It could also be the sun deteriorating it. There is nothing you can do about it, the torium handles break up over time. Replacing with something better is the only solution
I blame it more on sunscreen than bug spray though we used a bug spray in the army that worked great but dissolved watch straps, discoloured plastics etc and was great for lighting fires.
I should be a deet junky by now ;D
Quote from: CapeFish on August 01, 2019, 08:19:54 AM
It could also be the sun deteriorating it. There is nothing you can do about it, the torium handles break up over time. Replacing with something better is the only solution
Yes I think it is often the sun and other solvents.
I sometimes use acetone and more often Paint thinners as a reel cleaning agent. One of those affected my Shimano white handles as they have only a fairly thin layer of rubbery stuff. The rubber became loose or stretched. I stuck them back on with Superglue which has worked but it does not look to great.
Yup, these are Trinidad & Torium handles. I'm pretty sure it's not from sunscreen but who knows. I do not see any part numbers on the schematics for the handle knob but I have seen them offered separately in the past. I would like to keep them original if possible. Where can I find the knob for the Trinidad TN 14?
Quote from: Fishead on August 01, 2019, 01:41:18 PM
I would like to keep them original if possible. Where can I find the knob for the Trinidad TN 14?
buddy, no offense but after reading that those stock shimano knobs are prone to go bad in a minute with regular chemicals you are still thinking to install a stock one?
Im pretty sure shimano dont offer those knobs separatelly any longer cuz the old gold trinidad models (tn14) are been discountinued by shimano, so your best bet is to find a complete stock handle assembly on ebay for your model (expect to pay premium price), dont get me wrong, my trini16 and calcutta 400TE have stock handles and after many years of use their stock knobs are in perfect shape, so no need to change them, I actually recenlty I installed a trini12 handle on my calcutta TE as power handle and it works great.
Hi FH —
IMO, if you are going to fish the reel — upgrade the crank knob to something that you like and are comfortable with — performance-wise...
If you are going to "shelf" the reel — original is good.
Gotta remember — just like each of us, manufacturers make mistakes also — but those of us with better knowledge — do not have to live with inferior materials, or a manufacturer's mistake — we move above and forward.
We do this with all manufacturers — not just Shimano.
If you will post a pic of your handle — and you want to go original — someone on here will have a crank for you. I will check my loose crank bins — there are at least 600-700 in there from the 40's up to today.
Best,
Fred
One of the reels with goo is a TE 400 with a TN 14 handle that I do fish. I really don't want a bigger knob, it goes in gear every so often if I try and make a really long cast. That handle is just heavy enough to engage the reel when I try the long cast but I've learned to work with it. I may have to go with one of the black aluminum handles even though I prefer the rubber style grip.
Quote from: Fishead on August 01, 2019, 07:00:19 PM
One of the reels with goo is a TE 400 with a TN 14 handle that I do fish. I really don't want a bigger knob, it goes in gear every so often if I try and make a really long cast. That handle is just heavy enough to engage the reel when I try the long cast but I've learned to work with it. I may have to go with one of the black aluminum handles even though I prefer the rubber style grip.
gotcha !! I have the same set-up on my TE400
still, you only way to find a complet handle assembly on ebay if you are happy with the stock trini14 or drill out the knob and install another comfy round knob, there are some nice EVA round knobs that offer less weight in order to prevent activate the drag on a cast on the calcutta
https://squareup.com/market/pro-challenger-llc/item/eva-knobs
these ones from our friend Alan are the cream of the creame
Quote from: Fishead on August 01, 2019, 07:00:19 PM
That handle is just heavy enough to engage the reel when I try the long cast
A double handle or a counter balanced handle will fix that.
-steve
Quote from: oc1 on August 01, 2019, 10:52:49 PM
Quote from: Fishead on August 01, 2019, 07:00:19 PM
That handle is just heavy enough to engage the reel when I try the long cast
A double handle or a counter balanced handle will fix that.
-steve
Steve, the trini 12 and 14 stock handle is counter balanced, but the knob is heavier than the counter balance weight.
the Calcutta 400TE is really sensitive to the handle to activate the drag, I have the same setup and understand why he dont want to install a heavier knob, but I think the stock small knob on the trini14 handle is too heavy for its size compared to other options.
that knob is a ball of solid rubber
Was reading an online Sport Fishing magazine article from 2018, and a Shimano rep stated some of the handles on the old reels got sticky from suntan lotion. Says a new solution took 3 yrs. to come by. No mention if Shimano will make good on any repair.
Frank
This is a problem with many of the Shimano handle knobs, especially the low profile models. Some are too far gone to do anything with, so I replace them. Shimano does not always show the knobs as a separate item on their spares site, but they are available if you search the web.
The issue according to Bantam 1, of Shimano, is sunscreen lotion. I know this to be a fact, as I used to have issues with my own reels. Being careful to wash my hands after applying sunscreen, has resulted in the knobs being fine.
When I work on reels with sticky knobs, I wash them with Dawn soap, and then dry them, before applying a line conditioner. I rub it into the rubber, and the stickiness is gone. The product I use is Blakemore Real Magic. Most BPS stores and Cabela's stock it.
Cheers
Terry.
Zim, this is very interesting thanks re the line conditioner, I actually wonder if reel oil also does not cause it because I can't think I got much suntan lotion on mine if any.
Quote from: oc1 on August 01, 2019, 05:18:54 AM
I live in a mosquito-infested swamp and use bug spray almost every day. I'm sure it's killing me, but the alternative is to never go outside. My headlights are frosted too. Woe is me.
-steve
Steve, your picture shows how far gone you are, in that you can barely keep your eyes open. Maybe you just got some bug spray in them. We're all glad that you are still brave enough to go outside, because no one tames the wild like you. :)
I was smoking a lot of prescription medication that day Joe :o
-steve
If y'all are getting bug spray and sunscreen on your knobs, then it's getting on your bait too, and you're scarin' away alot of fish!